The School of Public and Environmental Affairs recognizes the complex problems facing our society such as global climate change, hazardous waste, escalating health care costs, balance of trade, and international relations. Through the four bachelor of science degree programs, the students develop problem-solving abilities and organizational skills so that they may contribute possible solutions to these and other problems.

More than ever, people who take on leadership roles in society—whether as professionals or volunteers—need formal training in managing staff, fiscal resources, information, public relations and marketing, and technology. With its focus on managing resources and solving problems, the Bachelor of Science in Public Affairs (B.S.P.A.) degree prepares students for careers in diverse areas such as federal, state, and local politics and administration; public policy evaluation; management consulting; public relations; management of nonprofit organizations; and monitoring, assessment, and amelioration of environmental problems—to name only a few. Majors in the degree program include: management, legal studies, public and nonprofit management, policy analysis, public financial management, and environmental management. Students who choose to continue with their education after earning an undergraduate degree frequently study law, planning, public affairs, environmental science, or business administration.

There is a critical need for scientists who can incorporate their expertise into policies that address environmental concerns, such as global climate change, pollution of water and air, conservation of endangered species and habitats, urban sprawl, and human illnesses caused by environmental problems. To meet that need, the School of Public and Environmental Affairs and the College of Arts and Sciences developed the Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science (B.S.E.S.) degree, a unique cooperative program between two leading schools at Indiana University. Designed as a rigorous interdisciplinary science curriculum, the degree prepares students either for direct entry into an environmental science career or for graduate study in the traditional sciences or environmental science.

Both government and private organizations are seeking ways to maintain or improve the quality of health care in the United States. At the same time, there is an increasing need to control skyrocketing costs. The Bachelor of Science in Public Health (B.S.P.H.) prepares students to meet those challenges. The Health Administration major prepares students for health management careers by developing their organizational, analytical, managerial, and leadership skills. Graduates often pursue careers in the public, private, or nonprofit sector in areas such as public health, environmental health, health administration, epidemiology, or health policy and planning. B.S.P.H. students have gone on for post-baccalaureate training in diverse areas such as public health, health administration, public affairs, law, business administration, and environmental science and policy.

Now more than ever, institutions in the arts need a well trained, dedicated cadre of administrators able to navigate minefields underlying financial pressures, organizational constraints, and shifts in competitive entertainment, as well as consumer interest. The Bachelor of Science in Arts Management (B.S.A.M.) degree provides undergraduate students with the background and skills necessary to function in the management aspects of the arts industry. Graduates of this degree program are prepared to seek entry level careers in areas such as: development and donor relations, marketing, audience development and public relations, artistic direction and programming, financial management, volunteer coordination, arts education, public policy, and advocacy.